Potato Park (Parque de la Papa)

The Potato Park (Parque de la Papa) is a remarkable community-led agroecological reserve located in the Sacred Valley of the Incas near Cusco, Peru. Established in 2002, it spans over 9,000 hectares and is collectively managed by six Indigenous Quechua communities who work together to conserve and promote the extraordinary biodiversity of native potatoes and other Andean crops.

Home to more than 1,400 native potato varieties, the Potato Park is one of the richest centers of potato diversity in the world. This genetic wealth is essential for developing climate-resilient crops, enhancing food security, and preserving cultural heritage. The park operates as a Biocultural Heritage Area, integrating indigenous knowledge and traditions with scientific research and conservation practices.

Governed through a collective and community-driven approach, the Potato Park empowers local people to safeguard their land and resources while maintaining their ancestral farming practices rooted in reciprocity and respect for nature. It also fosters agroecotourism and educational opportunities, inviting visitors to learn about traditional cultivation methods, participate in cultural ceremonies, and experience the vast variety of native potatoes.

Supported by collaborations with organizations such as the International Potato Center (CIP) and the non-profit ANDES, the Potato Park stands as a global model for sustainable agriculture, indigenous rights, and biodiversity conservation.